Things To Do

Olympia Fields Park District

The Olympia Fields Park District has something to offer everyone whether you are one or one hundred! The Park District owns and maintain over 140 acres of park land and included in these parks you will find opportunities for fun abound! The Park District offers seasonal programming in areas of wellness, fitness, sports, arts, dance and trips. The Park District hosts annual events such as the Fall Festival, Movie in the Park, Concert in the Park, and Fishing Derby to just name a few.

Irons Oaks Environmental Center

Located at Vollmer Road and Western Avenue, this 40-acre nature preserve is home to a diversity of wildlife and habitats. Irons Oaks offers a wide variety of outdoor school programs that provide hands-on learning experiences. It features an Adventure Center with a high ropes course, a climbing tower, cross country skiing, pedestrian trails, ponds, prairie, a Therapy Garden, Butterfly Garden and Wildflower Garden, a wildlife viewing area, and picnic tables. Irons Oaks is open to the public seven days a week, from dawn to dusk. Irons Oaks facilities are available for rental. Space and facilities in natural settings can be rented for picnics, meetings, family outings, special events, nature-based parties and programs for children and adults. Call (708) 481-2330 for rental information, or access www.ironsoaks.com.

Park Forest Aqua Center

The Park Forest Aqua Center, located at 30 North Orchard Drive, features two conventional pools with a diving area, a zero depth pool, a 160-ft. water slide with splash-down pool, sand-play and volleyball areas, a generous sunbathing area, a full schedule of swim lessons and party rentals. Contact the Park Forest Recreation and Parks Office at (708) 748-2005 to request a brochure, or visit their website.

Park Forest Library

The Olympia Fields Public Library contracts with the Park Forest Public Library Board to provide library services to the Village. You may use your library card at any public library within the Metropolitan Library System. The Park Forest Library's extensive collection includes books, periodicals, e-books, audio books, videos, CDs, DVDs and video games. Computers are also available. The library is located at 400 Lakewood Boulevard in Park Forest. Their phone number is (708) 748-3731.

The Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University

The Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University is the Chicago Southland's grandest performing Arts Center, featuring a wide array of star attractions, as well as children and family programming. The 1,200-seat concert hall hosts performances of jazz, ballet, opera, gospel, R&B, Folk, Blues and New Age. Website

Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park

Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park at Governors State University offers a display of major works by masters of contemporary sculpture. Events and programs which build an appreciation and understanding of contemporary sculpture and highlight the surrounding landscape are scheduled throughout the year. Tours of the park are presented free of charge by dedicated docents and offer the opportunity for groups to encounter the work in a relaxed atmosphere. Website

Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra

The 75-member Orchestra performs at Governors State University from November through May. The orchestra is the largest performing arts organization in the Chicago Southland and was named 2010 Illinois Orchestra of the Year. The orchestra performs a five-concert, Saturday evening Symphonic Series, featuring internationally acclaimed guest artists. Repeat performances of the Symphonic Concerts can be enjoyed Sunday afternoons at the Lincoln Way North Performing Arts Center. Call 708-481-7774 for a schedule. Website

Tall Grass Arts Association

TALL GRASS ARTS ASSOCIATION in Downtown Park Forest is the only nonprofit art center of its type in Chicago’s south suburban region. It includes special monthly exhibits, a sales Art Gallery, ongoing art classes for children and adults, and special events. Call 780-748-3377 or log on to www.tallgrassarts.com for more details.

Illinois Theatre Center

ILLINOIS THEATRE CENTER is the premiere professional theatre of the South Suburbs. Located in a beautiful new, state-of-the-art facility in Downtown Park Forest, ITC features a wide variety of shows, including holiday musicals perfect for the whole family, sophisticated comedies, touching dramas, and the latest Broadway hits. Call 708-481-3510 or at www.ilthctr.org.

Hollywood Casino Amphitheater

HOLLYWOOD CASINO Amphitheater in Tinley Park is a popular 30,000 seat outdoor music venue that hosts the top entertainers in rock and pop music from May through September. Past acts include Paul McCartney, Ed Sheeran and Pink.

For more information on cultural events in Olympia Fields and outlying areas, please contact the Chicago Southland Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.visitchicagosouthland.com.